One Planet Living in the suburbs written by Anna Francis and Joanne Wheeler, November 2006 © G Doak / WWF Scotland © G Doak / WWF Scotland © S MORGAN / WWF-UK

© Fairtrade Foundation © G Doak / WWF Scotland © G Doak / WWF Scotland Introduction This report uses these One Planet Living principles to highlight the challenges and opportunities of creating sustainable If everyone around the world consumed natural resources and generated carbon communities in existing areas. As 86% of the emissions as we currently do in the UK we would need three planets to support us. UK lives in the suburbs, and the Buildings are responsible for almost half of the UK’s carbon emissions, with domestic ecological impact of these areas is generally buildings contributing 27%. The UK government has set a target of a 60% cut in large, this report focuses on suburbia, using Solihull in the West Midlands as a primary emissions by 2050, however it is predicted that two thirds of the dwellings that will be case study. standing in 2050 already exist.1 So, if we are to reduce our and move towards ‘One Planet Living’, it is vital that we address the environmental performance of our existing homes. The challenge we face is to ‘retrofit’ The Suburban context into our lives in a way that will enhance our sense of community, happiness and well- being, and will reduce our impact on the planet. Suburbia poses many interesting challenges and opportunities. Affluent suburban areas One Planet Living is a joint initiative between WWF and BioRegional, launched in 2004. are generally perceived as financially and It aims to create a shared and positive vision of the world we want to live in: ‘a world in socially stable and the environmental impact of suburban life is, it seems, frequently which people everywhere can live healthy, happy lives within their fair share of the overlooked both by residents and policy Earth’s resources’. In other words, One Planet Living aims to demonstrate that people makers. However, features of typical throughout the world can enjoy a high quality of life that is sustainable. suburban life can be inherently unsustainable and carry a high ecological footprint. These 1 Zero Carbon features include: low density housing with high use, high use (detached houses are three times as energy intensive as 2 the average flat) and high dependence on external inputs (e.g. non- and 3 Sustainable products).

4 Sustainable Materials Fortunately, however, suburbia also offers significant opportunities for . 5 Local and Sustainable Food For example, detached houses are easy to retrofit; most houses in affluent areas of 6 Sustainable Water suburbia are owner-occupied, so residents benefit directly from measures such as 7 Natural Habitats and Wildlife increased energy efficiency; and green space presents opportunities for food growing, 8 Culture and Heritage composting and enhancement of . 9 Equity and Fairtrade The report uses Ecological Footprinting2 baseline data to highlight the potential impact 10 and Happiness of a range of measures under four scenarios: • Scenario 1: ‘Average’ resident of Solihull Planet Global • Scenario 2: ‘Average’ resident of Solihull equivalents Hectares living in a retrofitted suburb 6 • Scenario 3: ‘Keen’ resident of Solihull • Scenario 4: ‘Keen’ resident living in a 5 retrofitted suburb

4 The graph opposite shows the potential impact of a range of measures on reducing 3 Solihull’s ecological footprint. While the 2 available data indicates that it may not currently be possible to reduce suburbia’s 1 footprint to a sustainable ‘One Planet’ level, it is clear that very significant reductions are 0 possible, and further research and footprinting ‘Average’ ‘Average’ ‘Keen’ resident ‘Keen’ Resident analysis may reveal even greater reductions. resident of resident of of Solihull living in a Solihull Solihull living retrofitted in a retrofitted suburb suburb

1 Environmental Change Institute, University of Oxford (2005), 40% House 2 EF is an accounting tool that represents the environmental impacts of a process or person’s lifestyle in terms of an area of land or sea required to sustainably produce a particular natural resource or to absorb waste from consumption, or absorb the corresponding CO2 emissions generated. Ecological Footprints are measured in “global hectares”. Key Findings Key Recommendations Individuals Individuals can and must play their part. They can do this by adopting ‘green’ The findings of this report suggest that A comprehensive and detailed set of behaviour wherever possible: making use of action is needed at all levels to work towards recommendations for each of the One local facilities on offer and exercising their One Planet Living in the suburbs. As we Planet Living principles can be found on purchasing power. Individuals can noted in our previous report, One Planet page four. Here we set out the overarching dramatically reduce their footprint by, for Living in the Thames Gateway3, while recommendations for national, regional and example: increased and individual action can make a very significant local government, communities and composting; use of ; contribution to reducing our ecological individuals. consumption of local organic food; and footprint, this alone is not sufficient to purchasing of ‘green’ products and services. address the problem. This is because a National government They should also take advantage of considerable component of an individual’s The government has a key role in making government grants and incentives to retrofit ecological footprint is attributable to their One Planet Living a realistic option for their homes, and thereby save money on share of and services, which individuals, communities and businesses. It energy and water bills, as well as reducing individuals can do little to influence. should: their footprint. Government and business therefore have a responsibility to deliver sustainable • Adopt Ecological Footprint as a critical Conclusion infrastructure and services, and to provide indicator for and While the footprinting scenarios suggest that the framework to ‘change the defaults’ of use it to inform policy decisions and One Planet Living is difficult to achieve in our lifestyle choices – making it easy, develop strategies for One Planet Living. suburbia, because much of the infrastructure attractive and affordable for people to Only by clearly understanding our is already in place, it is clear that very choose more sustainable options. ‘environmental baseline’ will we be able to significant opportunities exist for large decide the necessary measures to move reductions in residents’ impacts. For this to Understanding how to change behaviour from ‘three planet living’ to One Planet be achieved, it will require a combination of and encourage sustainable lifestyle patterns Living. ‘top down’ and ‘bottom up’ action. is vitally important. While it is sometimes • Introduce a carbon budget that requires assumed that raising awareness of the year-on-year cuts in carbon emissions Clear responsibility lies with central environmental impact of lifestyle choices from all sectors of the economy. government, which must commit to alone will lead to sustainable behaviour, in • Provide a strong policy and regulatory adopting ecological footprint as an indicator reality behaviour change is very complex and framework to facilitate One Planet Living in of sustainability, and then set the necessary more work is needed in this area. It is vital to the suburbs. overarching regulatory and enabling ensure that incentives favour sustainable • Provide incentives, grants and support to framework to deliver One Planet Living. behaviour, enabling access to local authorities, communities and Regional and local authorities must also choices, engaging individuals to encourage the take-up of develop strong policy frameworks to people in initiatives and exemplifying desired sustainable options: for example, encourage, provide incentives, and where changes within government policies and retrofitted systems and appropriate require greater sustainability in practices. measures. their existing suburbs. Business must also • Support the Energy Saving Trust's play its part and work with government and It is important to recognise that the proposal for a cap and trade scheme on consumers to develop new business problems and potential of existing suburban domestic , and introduce models, such as energy services companies areas can be very diverse – no blanket appropriate incentives to open a new that will deliver exciting opportunities for national or even city-wide solution can be market for energy service companies. greater energy efficiency and decentralised applied, since local physical and natural • Publish a strong Code for generation in the suburbs. conditions vary greatly throughout the UK. Existing Homes and require mandatory However, some general principles can be assessment of all homes. Finally, in order to achieve One Planet Living, applied and individuals, communities, local, • Invest in research to provide a greater we must make it easy, attractive and regional and national government all have understanding of the barriers to behaviour affordable for individuals and communities to an important role to play. change in communities and among choose more sustainable options. individuals. Developing a better understanding of the barriers and motivations to more sustainable Regional and local authorities lifestyles is key, as is encouraging individuals • Adopt Ecological Footprint as a and communities to take responsibility for regional/local indicator for sustainable their footprint through a combination of local development and use it to inform community action, incentives and regulation. decisions and develop strategies for One Planet Living in the region. • Set targets for Ecological Footprint stabilisation and reduction. • Work with business to facilitate the development of energy service companies, and link council tax charges to improvements in home energy and environmental performance.

3 wwf.org.uk/filelibrary/pdf/thamesgateway.pdf • Work with local communities to understand the barriers to sustainable lifestyles. Detailed Individual Zero waste: achieving a substantial • Purchase energy saving devices, reduction of waste flows to by Recommendations increased insulation, double glazing, reducing waste arising; and valuing all energy efficient appliances etc materials as potential resources, through Zero carbon: reducing carbon dioxide • Some solar gain potential through addition reuse, reprocessing or generating energy emissions by optimising building energy of south facing conservatory where from waste demand and supplying from zero or low possible carbon and renewable resources • Whole house energy monitoring National government • Sustainable behaviour, e.g. turning off • Engage with superstore chains to reduce National government lights when leaving rooms packaging • Part L Building Regulations extended to • Invest in such as solar • Set targets for packaging minimisation require improvements in existing homes – thermal and increase percentages of recyclate i.e. through ‘consequential improvements’ used in packaging and products • Ensure that a robust Code for Sustainable • Incentives for local authorities to increase Existing Homes (CSEH) is developed and the scope of recycling services over time extend the energy performance certificate to an assessment of all homes Local authority against the Code on • Support for local reclamation yards, real sale/purchase/change of occupancy nappies, furniture reuse networks, etc • Enable the introduction of incentives • All recyclable material collected and linked to energy performance centrally recycled certificates/CSEH, including green • Track the take-up of recycling services, to mortgages, stamp duty and council tax monitor participation and engage with charges defaulters • Require a percentage of renewable • Provide fiscal incentives: cash discounts, energy generation and improvements in prize draws, council tax rebates energy efficiency from existing • Trial financial disincentives such as ‘pay as communities through the new Planning you throw’ Policy Statement on © G Doak / WWF Scotland • Promote and subsidise home composting • Facilitate the development of energy facilities services through a supplier cap and trade system Individual • Require smart metering • Avoid overly packaged goods • Legislate against inefficient appliances • Participate in schemes that can be left on standby such as real nappies • Reduce VAT on energy saving • Use recycled and reclaimed materials and technologies and equipment, and products where possible increase labelling of appliances and • Participate in local recycling schemes and fittings. Increase fiscal grants for set up compost in garden or outside microgeneration and renewable energy space community schemes • Require/facilitate the installation of microgeneration technologies through the planning system • Regulate to ensure premiums paid by green energy tariff customers ensure investment in additional renewables capacity beyond regulatory requirements • Improve landlord incentives such as the green landlord scheme

Local authority • Give council tax rebates for increased energy efficiency and enhanced environmental performance of homes • Introduce requirements for renewables in © G Doak / WWF Scotland existing communities • Use Section 106 for well planned suburb densification where appropriate Local and sustainable food: reducing Sustainable transport: emissions due to food transport and food reducing the need to travel and providing manufacture and reducing environmental sustainable alternatives to private car use due to chemicals used in food production National government • Provide incentives for employers to allow National government home working, including reinstatement of • Fund and promote local food systems, for tax exemption for employer-provided example through grants for Community equipment through the Home Computing Supported Agriculture (CSA) systems4 Initiative • Introduce food labelling that stipulates the • Increase car tax for high emission of food products • Reduce fuel tax on • Set national composting targets • Increase the target for sustainable biofuels

to at least 10% by 2015 © G Doak / WWF Scotland Local authority • Promote and support local food production Local authority Local and sustainable materials: networks • Attract businesses or ‘starter unit’ maximising the use of local, reclaimed, • Provide and promote local allotments and providers around existing transport nodes recycled and low environmental impact food-growing facilities through reduced business rates and other materials fiscal incentives Individual • Consider providing local collection points National government • Reduce the amount of animal protein in diet or subsidised secure delivery containers • Label materials to reveal the estimated • Grow food in garden or local allotment to enable home deliveries of local produce embodied energy of their production • Buy local, seasonal and organic produce • Create home-zone areas (included in • Introduce higher tax rates for high (home grown and local vegetable box or Local Transport Plans) embodied energy products and farmers market) • Create local centres with independent ‘unsustainable’ materials • Reduce levels of food wastage, and local shops and service providers • Develop local procurement policies where increase composting in gardens • Provide initial funding of alternatives to appropriate for all government bodies private car ownership, such as car clubs • Require regional and local government to Sustainable water: reducing energy used in • Provide fiscal incentives for residents who source increasing percentages of credibly water supply and waste water management; reduce or give up the use of their car certified timber from well managed forests reducing flooding risks and conserving water • Provide flexible systems that allow • Require DIY and other retailers to source resources suburban travellers to use a range of increasing percentages of credibly transport options certified timber from well managed forests National government • Provide secure storage and/or • Develop a ‘Code for Sustainable Existing cheap bicycle hire at suburban stations Local authority Homes’ with mandatory assessment of all • Increase density around transport nodes • Introduce a training programme for homes on sale, rental or change of • Provide support for ‘ buses’ for all tradespeople in using local sustainable occupancy, with fiscal incentives to upgrade local primary schools materials and ‘green’ products the water and energy efficiency of homes • Provide oil recycling initiatives for • Join the WWF-UK Forest & Trade • Reform building and water fitting regulations Network to ensure all newly installed water using Individual • Make use of the government’s Central appliances are highly water efficient. • Support local facilities Point of Expertise on Timber (CPET) for • Introduce mandatory water metering • Work from home where possible procurement policies • Introduce tougher leakage targets, to reflect • Use internet ordering and home delivery • Produce a green directory that highlights environmental impacts and public concern services sources of local sustainable and • Reduce VAT on water saving devices • Cycle or walk where possible reclaimed materials • Label food to show how much water is • Use public transport • Support the establishment of used in its production • Join a car club reclamation yards • If car ownership is deemed unavoidable, Local authority use alternative fuels and fuel efficient Individual • Subsidise water saving devices such as vehicles • Make maximum use of locally sourced, water butts certified, reclaimed and recycled materials • Limit the number of gardens paved over; require Sustainable Urban Drainage systems

Individual • Purchase water efficient appliances and fittings • Harvest rain and grey water • Design garden landscape to minimise flood risks – i.e. maintenance of porous surfaces

4 CSA is a partnership between farmers and consumers where the responsibilities and rewards of farming are shared. CSA members often commit in advance to buying their food directly from the CSA farm. CSA farms are directly accountable to their consumer members and strive to provide fresh, high-quality food, typically using organic farming methods. Culture and heritage: engendering a sense of community through enhancing or reviving valuable aspects of local culture and heritage

National government • Introduce policies to ensure the historic character of suburbia is protected, especially during densification/new housing provision

Local authority • Run an awareness campaign towards creating a new culture of sustainability • Introduce policies to ensure the historic © G Doak / WWF Scotland © G Doak / WWF Scotland character of suburbia is protected, especially during densification/new Natural habitats and wildlife: housing provision Health and happiness: fostering strategies conservation of existing biodiversity, to promote health and well-being, both in the regeneration of degraded land and Individual present and into the future increased access to nature by residents • Participate in local groups working to enhance local culture and heritage National government National government • Support local cultural events and local • Support research to better understand • Ensure the Code for Sustainable Homes products personal and community health and includes ecological assessment credits well-being • Reduce VAT on native plant species Equity and fair trade: promoting social • Increase the power of local communities equity, inclusion, local economic to organise events and use vacant public Local authority development and fair trade land • Introduce local biodiversity strategies and action plans National government Local authority • Provide discounted or free professional • Work with social housing providers to • Provide safe public open space and advice develop a strategy for integrating facilities for exercise and recreation for all affordable housing in suburbia age groups Individual • Introduce procurement policies for the • Increase access to affordable, healthy • Plant native species in gardens purchase of fair trade goods by all fresh food • Increase biodiversity through planting government bodies • Conduct community or borough-wide happiness surveys Local authority • Promote a mix of accommodation, Individual employment and facilities • Maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle, • Enhance local employment opportunities including regular exercise and through local training programmes and consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables support for local businesses • Participate in community groups, events • Introduce an access strategy for buildings, and initiatives transport systems and open areas, incorporating guidance on disabled access • Develop a community intranet and website • Support local fair trade networks

Individual • Participate in community groups to help obtain fair trade status • Purchase fair trade goods © G Doak / WWF Scotland © G Doak / WWF Scotland One Planet Living aims to create a world in which people everywhere can lead happy, healthy lives within their fair share of the Earth’s resources. To find out more please visit: www.oneplanetliving.org

BioRegional is a visionary environmental organisation, dedicated to developing practical solutions for sustainable living. BioRegional Consulting Ltd. (BCL) is a wholly owned trading subsidiary of the charity. It was set up to provide facilitation and technical support to development and construction industry partners with the aim of mainstreaming sustainable solutions. www.bioregional.com tered trademark Printed on recycled paper Project number 2213/October 2006

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